The Hudson County community has served as an integral partner during the Super Bowl festivities hosted jointly by New York and New Jersey at Met Life Stadium. The festive atmosphere and influx of visitors to our community is, hopefully, a positive experience for all.

However, it is important for our community to be aware that Super Bowl Sunday, throughout the country, brings with it an increase in drinking and driving crashes and fatalities. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD): “Super Bowl Sunday continually ranks as one of the most dangerous times of the year for drunk driving deaths. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 43 percent of all traffic fatalities on Super Bowl Sunday (and the early hours of the following morning) in 2012 were caused by drunk driving, compared to an average of 31 percent for the year as a whole.”

With the Super Bowl in our back yard this year, it is particularly important for residents to understand the potential risks associated with increases in drinking and driving. Some ways we all can work together to reduce these risks: 1. Whenever possible stay off the roads after the game. 2. If you are under the age of 21, pregnant, or have a history of substance abuse dependence or addiction, or are taking medication, do not consume alcohol. 3. If you do choose to drink alcohol, do not drive a motor vehicle. Have a plan on how to get home safely in advance if you are out. Drink in moderation (the Domino Strategy recommends no more than two drinks per adult male and one drink for adult females), as overconsumption can lead to making unwise decisions in the moment about driving.

Anyone who would like more information about the impact of alcohol abuse on the Hudson County community, information on available substance abuse prevention resources, or would like assistance getting connected with treatment or other support services for alcoholism or drug dependence, please call Partners in Prevention at (201) 552-2268.

Sincerely,Doug BrattonExecutive DirectorPartners in Prevention(National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of Hudson County)